Carnation plant named `CFPC Lemon Twist`

ABSTRACT

A new and unusual miniature carnation of pale yellow coloration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carnation varieties producing flowers of many different colors are wellknown. However, it is desirable to provide a new miniature variety ofcarnation producing pale yellow flowers.

The closest variety to mine of which I am aware is the variety known as`Lek's Adelfie`. `CFPC Lemon Twist` differs therefrom in producingflowers with a diameter averaging 1/2-inch smaller and pinched plantswhich are two to three inches shorter, both of which characteristics areespecially significant in a miniature variety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant which was originated by me in a controlled breeding program by mycrossing as seed parent, the variety known as `Lior` and as pollenparent, a numbered but unnamed and unpatented seedling of my creation.The varietal denomination of this new carnation is `CFPC Lemon Twist`.

Among the novel characteristics possessed by the new variety whichdistinguish it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware are its early flowering response, lack of splitting andnon-brittle stems.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Fremont, and Salinas, Calif., shows that theforegoing and other distinguishing characteristics come true to form andare established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of development(tight bud, partially opened bud and full bloom), depicted in color asnearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in a colorillustration of this character.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety `CFPC Lemon Twist`, produces strong, straight,medium-sized sprays of flowers which are long lasting after cutting, ona very vigorous and free-breaking plant. The foliage is long andstraight at the base of the plant. The new variety also has a strongcalyx with very little splitting; therefore, taping or banding is notnecessary.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in the color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Colordesignations and color descriptions may deviate slightly from the statedvalues from flowering-to-flowering but the deviations will be within therange expected from varying environmental, seasonal and culturalconditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Fremont, and Salinas, Calif. The heightof plant and flower and foliage size are established as an average usingstandard commercial cultural practices.

Name: CFPC Lemon Twist.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Greenhouse type, suitable for cut flower production as aspray.

Parentage:

Female parent.--`Lior`.

Male parent.--Unnamed seedling (No. 0036).

PLANT

Height: About 39 to 40 inches.

Growing habit: Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit: Terminal as a spray.

Blooming season: Year round.

Rooting time: 16-18 days.

Mutation prone: No.

Disease resistance: Unknown.

Temperature tolerance: Typical for carnation.

FOLIAGE

Color:

Upper side.--Near to 137A.

Lower side.--Near to 137A.

Size: About 51/2 inches long, about 1/2-inch wide at base of plant.

Quantity: Numerous.

Shape: Lanceolate.

Texture: Smooth.

Ribs: Central keel.

Arrangement: Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem:

Color.--Green.

BUD

Shape: Oval.

Color: Near to 143A.

Length: About 7/8 inch.

Diameter: About 2/3 inch.

CALYX

Number of lobes (sepals): About 6.

Length: About 1 inch.

Width: About 2/3 inch.

Color: Outside -- near to 143A. Inside -- near to 138D.

BLOOM

Shape: Round.

Size:

Diameter average.--About 13/4 to 21/8 inches.

Borne: Terminal as a spray.

Color:

General tonality.--Yellow with occasional light pink and white markings.When present, the light pink markings are lighter than 56D and the whitemarkings are whiter than 155D.

Upper side.--Near to 1D.

Lower side.--Near to 2D.

Center.--Near to 1D.

Outer petals.--Near to from 1D to 2D.

Permanence: Yes.

Keeping habit: 12 to 15 days.

Fragrance: Slight.

PETALS

Number: About 38-40.

Texture: Smooth.

Form: Fan shaped.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Stamen:

Number.--About 15-18.

Arrangement.--Around the ovary.

Anthers:

Number.--About 15-18.

Length.--About 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

Color.--Near to 156D.

Filaments:

Lengths.--About 1/2 inch.

Color.--Near to 155D.

Pistil:

Number.--About 2.

Length.--About 3/4 to 11/4 inches.

Color.--Style -- near to 159B.

Stigma:

Number.--About 2.

Color.--Near to 159C.

Fertility:

Male.--Very poor.

Female.--Unknown.

Ovary:

Shape.--Conical, ribbed.

Color.--Base -- greenish white. Body -- greenish yellow. Apex -- tan.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of miniature carnation plant,substantially as shown and described, characterized particularly byflowers borne in sprays of pale yellow coloration.